Fire Kills 60, Leaves 11 Missing in Iraq Kut Hypermarket

A massive fire engulfed a newly opened hypermarket in al-Kut, Wasit province, eastern Iraq, killing at least 60 people and leaving 11 missing, according to local health authorities and officials. The fire, which started on the first floor and quickly spread through the five-story building, occurred while families were shopping and dining, prompting a three-day mourning period declared by the Wasit governor. Rescue teams worked overnight to evacuate those trapped, but many bodies remain under the debris as firefighters continue searching. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with preliminary results expected within 48 hours, and legal action has been taken against the building and mall owners. The tragedy has deeply shocked the local community, with officials vowing strict accountability for those responsible. Hospitals in al-Kut have been overwhelmed with victims, and the incident has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally.